Toby Greene v Nick Daicos for the no.1 spot in the top 20 AFL player’s list heading into round zero

1. TOBY GREENE (GWS)

After a watershed year where Greene was instilled as captain, he established himself as the most important and irreplaceable player in the competition. The Giants cannot win the flag without him.

2. NICK DAICOS (COLLINGWOOD)

Incredible to think a third-year player can have as much of an impact as Daicos, but this young Magpie is somehow getting better and better. Expect him to play more as a midfielder in 2024.

3. MARCUS BONTEMPELLI (WESTERN BULLDOGS)

Unlucky not to win the Brownlow Medal last year, Bontompelli is the best offensive midfielder in the AFL. Capable of turning a game in the middle or as a forward.

4. CHARLIE CURNOW (CARLTON)

The two-time reigning Coleman medallist is now the best power forward in the competition. Will look to shake off a disappointing finals campaign to take the Blues one step further.

5. CHRISTIAN PETRACCA (MELBOURNE)

Another midfielder who has dominated for years. Tried to help ease the Demons’ forward woes by playing more in attack at times, but it’s at the clearances where he is most damaging.

6. SAM WALSH (CARLTON)

Came back from injury to dominate in the finals and showcase just how good he is. Can climb higher if fully fit for an entire season.

7. TOM GREEN (GWS)

A monster of the league, Green simply has it all. There is a strong sense he is going to take his game to another level to become one of the game’s elites.

8. ZAK BUTTERS (PORT ADELAIDE)

Established himself as a star of the competition, the fleet-footer Power star has all the attributes to be one of the best. Will look to add more attacking flair in 2024.

9. LACHIE NEALE (BRISBANE)

Tough to put a dual Brownlow medallist this low, but you must wonder after three incredible seasons carrying a lot of the load at the Lions, how much does he have left? Will need some help.

10. ERROL GULDEN (SYDNEY)

The best wingman in the AFL, Gulden is one of those midfielders that forwards would love streaming towards them with ball in hand. Can change a game in no time at all.

11. JORDAN DAWSON (ADELAIDE)

Took his appointment as captain of the Crows and turned himself into an All-Australian midfielder. Does it all – finds the footy, wins clearances and tackles hard. An all-round star.

12. CONNOR ROZEE (PORT ADELAIDE)

Led Port Adelaide for inside 50s last season while also kicking 21 goals and averaging 26 disposals. If he can repeat that effort the Power will be dangerous.

13. TIM ENGLISH (WESTERN BULLDOGS)

Do not underestimate the All-Australian year of English. After years of showing glimpses of his potential he overtook several big names to become the game’s best ruck.

14. JEREMY CAMERON (GEELONG)

Injuries interrupted his pre-season and kept the competition from seeing the best of Cameron in 2023. A fully fit Jeremy is still one of the most dangerous players in the game.

15. PATRICK CRIPPS (CARLTON)

The Brownlow medallist is starting to wear down after years of battering and bruising, but if managed properly the West Australian can still charge the Blues to finals.

16. DARCY MOORE (COLLINGWOOD)

The best defender and leader in the game right now. Capable of not only curtailing a top-level forward but also counterattacking from defence.

17. HUGH MCCLUGGAGE (BRISBANE)

A free agent this year, McCluggage has consistently been one of the best wingmen for several years. Is starting to hit the scoreboard more and could transition into more centre bounces.

18. NOAH ANDERSON (GOLD COAST)

You must wonder if there’d be more hype around Anderson if he was at a Victorian club. Expect this big midfielder to thrive under the tutelage of Damien Hardwick.

19. JACK SINCLAIR (ST KILDA)

The classy rebound defender does his role better than anyone. Is his team’s best and most important player.

20. JORDAN DE GOEY (COLLINGWOOD)

Has strength and skill that few others possess, but just needs to do it across a season consistently. Is a match-winner whether playing forward or in the middle.